Difficult vs. Toxic Bosses: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?

Dr. Laura revisits the topic of toxic bosses with in-depth information about the differences between a difficult boss and a toxic boss. In conducting studies and reading research on toxic bosses for the book she’s writing, Dr. Laura has gathered an immense amount of knowledge on identifying, differentiating, dealing with, and surviving toxic bosses. In this episode, she illustrates how a difficult boss is not necessarily a toxic boss and why this difference matters.

One of the main differences Dr. Laura points to is that while a difficult boss can be unpleasant to work with, they are manageable and can be navigated. A toxic boss, however, is not a sustainable person to work for as they are incredibly bad for mental health, physical health, and career progression. Dr. Laura breaks down all the ways we can differentiate between a difficult and toxic boss through their personal styles of management, levels of micromanagement, whether they communicate poorly or with dishonest and manipulative intentions, and how it feels when working with them. This episode expands our understanding of toxic bosses and adds more information to our knowledge bank so that toxic bosses can be more readily identified and, hopefully, avoided.

“And the biggest difference, really, is that you can find ways to manage a difficult boss, and you cannot do so with a toxic boss. A toxic boss is really damaging to your engagement, your productivity and your wellbeing.” Dr. Laura

About Dr. Laura:

Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a work and career psychologist and thought leader on the evolution of work. She has always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and loves to use her expertise to improve organizations and help people thrive. Her passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led her to start three counselling psychology practices (Calgary Career Counselling, Canada Career Counselling, and Synthesis Psychology), as well as six different business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services.

Dr. Laura is honoured to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018.

Resources:

Where Work Meets Life™Episode 83 | Managing Your Boss: How to Succeed, Thrive, or Know When to Leave with Mary Abbajay

“Managing Up: How to Move Up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss” by Mary Abbajay

Dr. Laura on LinkedIn

Where Work Meets Life™ on YouTube

Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live

For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: 

Canada Career Counselling

Synthesis Psychology